Beautifying Your Home with Door Handles and Smart Locks

When it comes to design, the general tendency is to think in terms of architectural aesthetics, furniture style, and other design components to create a cohesive, beautiful space.

However, there is a game changer in town and once I learned to play, I realized how crucial it was for me to step up my design game. Yes, I’m referring to door handles and smart locks. Okay, so it might not sound like the most exciting item on your design, dream bucket list, but it should be. As we should know by now, design has a lot to do with thinking about the unthinkable. In other words, let’s think outside the box. I mean, think unique, different, and what most people don’t immediately gravitate toward. That’s where the lesson comes in. Since most people don’t think about door handles, I most definitely will focus my attention in that direction.

After purchasing our home, my focus has solely been on the details and as an interior decorator, that’s pretty much what I think about when decorating a space. Better yet, I live for the details!

I started researching different smart locks currently available on the market until I decided which one was the best option for me. I thought it made sense to start with the front door. After all, doesn’t a front door smart lock sound like a smart idea? I mean, it’s in the name. Functionality, design, color, ease of use, and IQ (smart locks, get it?) were at the top of my list.

I chose to go with the Kwikset Kevo 2nd generation smart lock and replaced the much outdated contractor-grade, brass handles with modern matching bronze hardware. At this moment, the clouds parted in the sky, a ray of light shined down onto my front porch, and angels from above sang joyful songs. I may have imagined the rest after the installation of my new smart lock, but you get the idea. I used my finger in the form of a Harry Potter wand (omit corresponding spell) and hit that lock as many times as I felt like it just to see the Gods of technology do their work as they locked and unlocked my door devoid of a key or any other form of an offering. Perhaps I died and went to heaven. Who knows? I was too mesmerized by not only the venetian bronze perfection before my eyes, but the blue and orange lights that dictated the direction in which the lock would sway. Hmm, I could stand there and do that all day, but someone had to write this article and I thought I’d volunteer for the job being that I was so enamoured by this intriguing device.

Kwikset Door Handle side angle
Kwikset 98180-001 San Clemente Single Cylinder Low Profile Handleset with Halifax Lever Featuring Smartkey in Venetian Bronze

 

(Update to previous note:  The door has been painted).

front door handle

Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock 2nd Generation with 1 Fob Key Accessory (Venetian Bronze)

Kevo interior view

Once I was able to remove myself away from my new smart lock devotion, it was time to tackle (yes, it must be football season) the other door handles throughout my house. Like a fairy of sorts with only a screwdriver and manufacturer provided tools, I sprinkled Kwikset halifax hall closet door handles and locks like a mad hatter who could see no end to such passion. I was lost in a sea of venetian bronze levers that hypnotized me at every turn. I should add that my interior doors are white and as a result the bronze door handles create a gorgeous, stark contrast against the doors. This look is classic, sophisticated, and breathtaking.

My dream of alluring, ravishing, and perhaps enviable door handles has become a reality and have completed the perfect look on all the white, mundane, and wallflower-like doors that hoped to sit quietly within my home. Let’s not forget that to complete the look, matching venetian bronze hinges are necessary. Hinges are easy to install and I performed the task of changing them by myself for the first time after changing the door handles. My doors should thank me, but they now feel they are too special to take the time and be grateful. I’m in love with them so I choose to forgive them.

Kwikset interior bronze door handle

Bathroom view
My downstairs guest powder room.

I have given my doors a new lease on life and now they’re at center stage performing a beautiful masterpiece all day and night. Somebody, please stop me as my designer instinct is to look at or reach for these handles as these actions provoke a sense of great happiness every time I encounter the doors within the confines of my home.

So don’t neglect your door handles or other unthinkable details around your home. Details are everything and door handles are a quick way to beautify your surroundings, not to mention an easy way to add value and some TLC to your domicile. The plethora of color options and styles available should make this an effortless task to find out which ones you will enjoy seeing around your home.  Good luck and happy decorating!

*Below is a list of the items I mentioned on the article above and purchased on my own. I’ve included a list below for ease of shopping since I genuinely love these products. By purchasing from the links below, I will be compensated a small percentage from the seller, but they will cost you the same from me or from the vendor. This helps me run this website so I can provide you with more decorating or design tips.

Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock 2nd Generation with 1 Fob Key Accessory (Venetian Bronze)

Kwikset 98180-001 San Clemente Single Cylinder Low Profile Handleset with Halifax Lever Featuring Smartkey in Venetian Bronze

Kwikset 155HFLSQT-11P Halifax Square Privacy Door Lock Venetian Bronze Finish

Halifax Venetian Bronze Hall/Closet Lever

Cosmas Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Hinge 3.5″ Inch x 3.5″ Inch with 5/8″ Inch Radius Corners – 12 Pack